Welcome to Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau is a tiny country on the coast of west Africa
bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea to the south. Very few
people come here but those that do travel to Guinea-Bissau describe
it as one of Africa's true gems, a land of great beauty, variety
and warm welcomes. Chief highlights include the beautiful and
mostly unspoiled beaches, abundant wildlife including significant
populations of chimpanzees and rare salt-water hippopotamuses, and
elegantly decaying colonial architecture from the Portuguese era.
Guinea-Bissau is a flat country characterised by two distinct
terrains. The coast is lush and forested, while the interior is dry
and dusty, although intersected by myriad rivers, pools and
lagoons. The country's best natural splendour can be viewed in the
celebrated Cantanhez Natural Park in Jemberem, while the Bijagos
Archipelago offers some of Africa's best island experiences,
including incredible snorkelling and diving, and indigenous tribes
with rich traditions. The capital Bissau has the country's best
tourist facilities although these are still very limited. Roads are
notoriously rough with one traveller advising that the road to Goba
is for 'perverse masochists' only! In general the very limited
tourist infrastructure makes Guinea-Bissau a destination that
attracts only adventure travellers and overlanders. A terrible
civil war broke out in 1998 and although hostilities have ceased a
succession of military coups since then has ensured the country
remains in a state of uncertainty. Currently the borders are open
and conditions favourable for intrepid travellers, however you are
strongly advised to stay abreast of current developments before
departure.

Customs

Travellers to Guinea-Bissau will find a generally open, relaxed
society, which values friendliness and camaraderie. Social conduct
and dress codes will be familiar to western travellers, although
among the Muslim section of the population (thought to be about 40
per cent), more conservative values are upheld.

Duty Free

Visitors to Guinea-Bissau may import a reasonable quantity of
tobacco products and perfume in opened bottles. Non-Muslims may
import up to 2.5 litres of alcoholic beverages.

Passport Visa

Foreign passengers to Guinea-Bissau must hold proof of
sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country, and the
necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Entering
Guinea-Bissau on a one-way ticket is permitted. Note that a yellow
fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Guinea-Bissau,
if arriving in the country within 6 days of leaving or transiting
through one of the following in countries: (in Africa) Angola,
Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Central African
Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote
d'Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia,
Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania,
Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tom and Principe, Senegal,
Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda and Zambia; (in South
America) Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana,
Panama, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. NOTE: It is highly
recommended that your passport has at least six months validity
remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.

ACCEPT COOKIESTo give you the best possible experience, this site uses cookies. Using this site means you agree to our use of cookies. We have published a cookies policy, which you should read to find out more about the cookies we use. View cookies policy.